Solar Panel Integration in Vehicle Body Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of solar panels on vehicles increases overall weight, reducing energy efficiency due to the additional energy required to accelerate the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a recess in the vehicle body part frame, with inlet and outlet openings, where a solar panel is positioned and secured with a filler material to maintain structural strength while reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the solar panel is attached to the exterior surface of the vehicle, then the solar panel can be integrated into the vehicle, but the overall weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is nested within a recess in the vehicle body part, with the filler material injected into the cavity formed by the solar panel and the recess. This nesting approach integrates the solar panel into the vehicle structure without adding external weight, as the solar panel occupies space that would otherwise be empty or require additional structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution of the filler material from a solid structural component to an injectable material that fills the cavity around the solar panel. This parameter change allows the filler material to adapt to the exact shape of the recess and solar panel combination, providing optimal structural support with minimal weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the overall weight of the vehicle increases, then the solar panel can be integrated into the vehicle, but the energy efficiency of the vehicle reduces
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the solar panel within the recess and filling the surrounding cavity with injected filler material, the patent achieves integration without significant weight increase. This reduces the energy required to accelerate and move the vehicle while maintaining solar energy generation capability.
3Strength
If the solar panel is integrated into the vehicle body part, then the structural strength can be maintained, but the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is pre-formed in the vehicle body part before solar panel installation. This preliminary action creates a ready-made cavity that simplifies the subsequent integration process, as the solar panel can be directly positioned and secured with filler material without requiring complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The filler material is injected into the cavity using pneumatic or hydraulic injection methods, similar to foam injection or adhesive dispensing systems. This automated injection process simplifies the integration procedure compared to manual assembly methods, reducing construction complexity while ensuring consistent structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for connecting a solar panel to a frame of a vehicle body part, the method comprising the steps of providing a recess (3) in the frame (2) of the vehicle body part (1), providing at least one inlet opening (6) in the recess, the at least one inlet opening providing a first passage (6a) between the recess and an interior (7a) of the vehicle body part, positioning the solar panel (5) over the recess, therewith defining a volume (10) by the solar panel and the recess, after the step of positioning the solar panel over the recess, providing a filler material (12) via the at least one inlet opening to the recess, filling the volume with the filler material to connect the solar panel to the frame with the filler material.